As every year, Bonhams is organizing its "Pebble Beach" auction in Carmel (California) on 18 August 2023. The auction takes its name "The Quail Auction" from "Quail Lodge & Golf Club's West Field".
Bonhams is putting 108 or 109 classic cars under the hammer on a single day. The 109th classic is a historic caravan, which is included as an accessory, so to speak, with a Pierce-Arrow.
European-dominated offer
Only around 20% of the cars have American roots, the majority come from Europe.
At the top of Bonhams' list of brands is Porsche with 12, followed by Aston Martin, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz with nine cars each. Rolls-Royce is represented with eight cars, Chevrolet and Jaguar with five each. All other brands, including exotic manufacturers such as Allard, Glide, Panoz or Simplex, are represented by a maximum of four, but in most cases one or two cars.
It is also interesting to note that only a quarter of the Porsches are offered without a minimum price, while 44% of the cars can be bought at auction without a limit.
Over 60 years old on average
The average age of the vehicles on offer is almost 62 years.
The pre-war collection is strongly represented with 25 cars, while only 11 very young cars (built after 1994) are in the catalog. 21 cars are from the 1950s, 24 from the 1960s and 15 from the 1970s.
Million-dollar values
15 lots are expected to achieve prices in the seven-figure range at least.
The ten most expensive cars include three pre-war cars and two cars from the post-war period (up to 1959). A Ferrari Enzo is the only modern car to make it into the top ten.
At the other end of the price scale, there are some classic cars looking for a buyer under USD 50,000, including two Rolls-Royces from the 1960s, pre-war cars from Lincoln and Buick as well as a Citroën ID 20 Break from 1972 and a Mercedes-Benz 560 SL from 1987.
With an average value of almost USD 560,000, the proportion of five-digit prices cannot be very high, of course.
The privateer Ferrari
The highlight of the auction promises to be the Ferrari 412P from 1967. The 412P racing cars were the somewhat less powerful privateer alternatives to the works 330P3/P4.
Chassis 0854 was purchased by Maranello Concessionaires in Great Britain and took part in races in the one-make sports car championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Spa, the Nürburgring and Brands Hatch, with Richard Attwood, Lucien Bianchi, Piers Courage, David Piper and Jo Siffert at the wheel.
There were victories in Nuremberg, at the solo race and at the Swedish Grand Prix. Above all, however, the racing car has been restored with many original parts and is road-legal.
Bonhams does not officially state an estimated price, but anyone thinking of a low eight-figure sum is probably not entirely wrong.
The Barchetta
The 412P is not the only Ferrari with a Le Mans history. The 212 Export Barchetta from 1951 with touring bodywork and chassis number 0100E also took part in the 1951 24 Hours and finished 16th overall.
The beautiful vehicle was estimated at USD 4.25 to 4.75 million.
A particularly rare Morgan
Not quite in the same price league is the Morgan +4+ from 1964. However, chassis A5794 is one of only 26 such coupés that Morgan built with a plastic body and it is also in concours condition according to Bonhams.
USD 180,000 to 220,000 is the estimate here, which would certainly be a record value for this type of car.
Power station wagons
Two powerful estate cars are part of a completely different segment. On the one hand, there is a Mercedes-Benz Estate from the W123 series, which appears in the lot list as the Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG from 1980.
Apparently, the car was built as a US 300, but was upgraded to a five-liter station wagon during the period with many AMG parts. Now the car is said to be worth USD 75'000 to 100'000, with over 2000 hours spent on the restoration.
Also not quite standard comfort is a BMW "M5" (E39) Touring from 2002. Such a car type did not exist at BMW itself, but in this case a 540i with M5 drivetrain and all associated interior and exterior parts was upgraded, which produced over USD 66,000 in expenditure. "The most perfect car that BMW never built", said Bonhams and set an estimate of USD 60,000 to 80,000.
Steve McQueen's Allard
While RM/Sotheby's are offering Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 GTB/4 in Monterey, Bonhams can bring a 1951 Allard J2X from the same "stable" under the hammer. McQueen bought the loud and fast Allard in 1962 to enjoy it on the road and he did not sell it later.
The car is powered by a Chrysler Hemi V8, which is said to deliver 250 hp. A three-speed gearbox was certainly sufficient in view of the enormous torque. An estimated value of USD 300,000 to 400,000 is given here.
The special Talbot-Lago Grand Sport
Only three Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Cabriolets with a short wheelbase are said to have survived. Chassis 116 was bodied by Dubos to a design by Carlo Delaisse and according to Bonhams, the car is in largely unrestored condition.
But before you can reach for the wrench yourself to restore this Talbot to concours condition, USD 2 to 3 million will have to change hands.
Of course, the Bonhams offer is also brimming with many super classics and specialties.
Those looking for the exotic should perhaps take a closer look at the AC Ace Bristol Le Mans Roadster from 1957, the Alvis Front Wheel Drive Two Seater Speical from 1933, the pre-war Alfa Romeo or the Apollo GT. And that only covers the first letter in the alphabet. But there is also plenty to discover behind it.
Further information and lots of pictures of the individual cars can be found on the Bonhams website.
Offered Vehicles
The following table lists all offered vehicles with estimated prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid at the time of publication. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | NoR | USD Est from | USD Est to | CHF Est from | CHF Est to | EUR Est from | EUR Est to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Citroën ID 20 Break | 1972 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'800 | 34'400 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 002 | Mercedes-Benz 560 SL | 1987 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'800 | 34'400 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 003 | Chevrolet Impala Convertible | 1958 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 68'800 | 103'200 | 72'000 | 108'000 |
| 004 | BMW M3 Coupe | 1995 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 68'800 | 86'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 |
| 005 | Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase SW10 Sports Sedan with Division | 1965 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 30'100 | 38'700 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 006 | Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R 'Tommykaira' R | 1996 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 64'500 | 86'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 |
| 007 | Porsche 911S 2.4 Targa | 1973 | 150'000 | 180'000 | 129'000 | 154'800 | 135'000 | 162'000 | |
| 008 | Chevrolet Corvette 327/300hp Coupe | 1964 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 009 | Porsche 911S Coupe | 1977 | Yes | 130'000 | 160'000 | 111'800 | 137'600 | 117'000 | 144'000 |
| 010 | Aston Martin DB AR1 | 2003 | 250'000 | 300'000 | 215'000 | 258'000 | 225'000 | 270'000 | |
| 011 | Morgan +4+ Coupe | 1964 | 180'000 | 220'000 | 154'800 | 189'200 | 162'000 | 198'000 | |
| 012 | Aston Martin DBS Volante | 2010 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 68'800 | 86'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 |
| 013 | Chevrolet Corvette 327 Competition Convertible | 1963 | 75'000 | 125'000 | 64'500 | 107'500 | 67'500 | 112'500 | |
| 014 | Mercedes-Benz 190 SL | 1962 | 190'000 | 220'000 | 163'400 | 189'200 | 171'000 | 198'000 | |
| 015 | Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S | 1999 | 350'000 | 550'000 | 301'000 | 473'000 | 315'000 | 495'000 | |
| 016 | Porsche 911 2.0 Racing Coupe | 1970 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 68'800 | 86'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 |
| 017 | Ferrari Testarossa | 1988 | 140'000 | 170'000 | 120'400 | 146'200 | 126'000 | 153'000 | |
| 018 | Mercedes-Benz 250 SL California Coupe with Hardtop | 1967 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 019 | Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe | 1953 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 60'200 | 86'000 | 63'000 | 90'000 |
| 020 | Packard Series 1501 Super Eight Convertible Victoria | 1937 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 86'000 | 111'800 | 90'000 | 117'000 | |
| 021 | Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupe | 1999 | 190'000 | 220'000 | 163'400 | 189'200 | 171'000 | 198'000 | |
| 022 | Porsche 911 2.0 Coupe | 1965 | 260'000 | 300'000 | 223'600 | 258'000 | 234'000 | 270'000 | |
| 023 | Aston Martin DB2/4 MK1 Saloon | 1955 | Yes | 60'000 | 90'000 | 51'600 | 77'400 | 54'000 | 81'000 |
| 024 | Cadillac Series 341-B V-8 Transformable Town Cabriolet | 1929 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 025 | Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 "Monza" Two Seater Special | 1933 | 900'000 | 1'100'000 | 774'000 | 946'000 | 810'000 | 990'000 | |
| 026 | Lorraine-Dietrich 16.4-Liter Grand Prix Two-Seater | 1909 | 600'000 | 800'000 | 516'000 | 688'000 | 540'000 | 720'000 | |
| 027 | Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual-Cowl Phaeton | 1932 | 1'250'000 | 1'500'000 | 1'075'000 | 1'290'000 | 1'125'000 | 1'350'000 | |
| 028 | Arnolt-Bristol Deluxe Roadster | 1953 | 350'000 | 400'000 | 301'000 | 344'000 | 315'000 | 360'000 | |
| 029 | Aston Martin V8 Sports Saloon | 1976 | Yes | 60'000 | 100'000 | 51'600 | 86'000 | 54'000 | 90'000 |
| 030 | Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine | 1960 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 68'800 | 103'200 | 72'000 | 108'000 |
| 031 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 1959 | 1'200'000 | 1'400'000 | 1'032'000 | 1'204'000 | 1'080'000 | 1'260'000 | |
| 032 | Alvis Front Wheel Drive Sports Two-Seater | 1928 | 575'000 | 675'000 | 494'500 | 580'500 | 517'500 | 607'500 | |
| 033 | Porsche 356B Roadster | 1961 | 300'000 | 400'000 | 258'000 | 344'000 | 270'000 | 360'000 | |
| 034 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sports Coupe | 1930 | 250'000 | 300'000 | 215'000 | 258'000 | 225'000 | 270'000 | |
| 035 | Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans | 1956 | Yes | 160'000 | 200'000 | 137'600 | 172'000 | 144'000 | 180'000 |
| 036 | Lola T70 Mark II GT Coupe | 1966 | 400'000 | 500'000 | 344'000 | 430'000 | 360'000 | 450'000 | |
| 037 | Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione 'MARTINI 5' | 1992 | 160'000 | 190'000 | 137'600 | 163'400 | 144'000 | 171'000 | |
| 038 | DKW Schnellaster Kastenwagen 3=6 | 1960 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 68'800 | 86'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 |
| 039 | Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 | 1971 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 040 | Porsche 906/Carrera 6 | 1966 | 2'200'000 | 2'500'000 | 1'892'000 | 2'150'000 | 1'980'000 | 2'250'000 | |
| 041 | Packard "Model 734 Speedster" Runabout | 1930 | 400'000 | 600'000 | 344'000 | 516'000 | 360'000 | 540'000 | |
| 042 | Porsche 356C Cabriolet | 1965 | Yes | 140'000 | 160'000 | 120'400 | 137'600 | 126'000 | 144'000 |
| 043 | Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Third Series Super Sport Spider | 1930 | 1'600'000 | 1'900'000 | 1'376'000 | 1'634'000 | 1'440'000 | 1'710'000 | |
| 044 | Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine | 1959 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 60'200 | 86'000 | 63'000 | 90'000 |
| 045 | Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America | 1955 | 1'250'000 | 1'750'000 | 1'075'000 | 1'505'000 | 1'125'000 | 1'575'000 | |
| 046 | Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster | 1958 | 300'000 | 350'000 | 258'000 | 301'000 | 270'000 | 315'000 | |
| 047 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1970 | 140'000 | 160'000 | 120'400 | 137'600 | 126'000 | 144'000 | |
| 048 | Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1986 | Yes | 160'000 | 180'000 | 137'600 | 154'800 | 144'000 | 162'000 |
| 049 | Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Cabriolet | 1949 | 2'000'000 | 3'000'000 | 1'720'000 | 2'580'000 | 1'800'000 | 2'700'000 | |
| 050 | Lancia Aurelia B20GT 6th Series Coupe | 1958 | 160'000 | 180'000 | 137'600 | 154'800 | 144'000 | 162'000 | |
| 051 | Ferrari Enzo | 2003 | 2'900'000 | 3'400'000 | 2'494'000 | 2'924'000 | 2'610'000 | 3'060'000 | |
| 052 | Chevrolet Corvette 327/300HP Sting Ray 'Split Window' Coupe | 1963 | Yes | 170'000 | 220'000 | 146'200 | 189'200 | 153'000 | 198'000 |
| 053 | Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo S Coupe by Sonauto | 1989 | 380'000 | 450'000 | 326'800 | 387'000 | 342'000 | 405'000 | |
| 054 | Aston Martin DB6 Sport Saloon | 1966 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 86'000 | 129'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 055 | Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta | 1951 | 4'250'000 | 4'750'000 | 3'655'000 | 4'085'000 | 3'825'000 | 4'275'000 | |
| 056 | Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series 2 | 1966 | Yes | 350'000 | 450'000 | 301'000 | 387'000 | 315'000 | 405'000 |
| 057 | Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider | 1930 | 1'000'000 | 1'500'000 | 860'000 | 1'290'000 | 900'000 | 1'350'000 | |
| 058 | Ferrari 599 GTO | 2011 | 750'000 | 900'000 | 645'000 | 774'000 | 675'000 | 810'000 | |
| 059 | Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Cabriolet | 1989 | 150'000 | 170'000 | 129'000 | 146'200 | 135'000 | 153'000 | |
| 060 | Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Roadster | 1966 | Yes | 170'000 | 210'000 | 146'200 | 180'600 | 153'000 | 189'000 |
| 061 | AC Ace Bristol Le Mans Roadster | 1957 | 750'000 | 950'000 | 645'000 | 817'000 | 675'000 | 855'000 | |
| 062 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet | 1971 | Yes | 250'000 | 300'000 | 215'000 | 258'000 | 225'000 | 270'000 |
| 063 | Lancia Appia GT Zagato Berlinetta | 1957 | 275'000 | 325'000 | 236'500 | 279'500 | 247'500 | 292'500 | |
| 064 | Ferrari 250 GT Coupe | 1958 | 1'100'000 | 1'300'000 | 946'000 | 1'118'000 | 990'000 | 1'170'000 | |
| 065 | Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8 'Flat Floor' Roadster | 1962 | 120'000 | 150'000 | 103'200 | 129'000 | 108'000 | 135'000 | |
| 066 | Dino 246 GT | 1972 | Yes | 250'000 | 300'000 | 215'000 | 258'000 | 225'000 | 270'000 |
| 067 | Ferrari 412P Berlinetta | 1967 | |||||||
| 068 | BMW "M5" Touring | 2002 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 069 | Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe | 1970 | Yes | 90'000 | 130'000 | 77'400 | 111'800 | 81'000 | 117'000 |
| 070 | Aston Martin V8 Sports Saloon | 1982 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 86'000 | 111'800 | 90'000 | 117'000 | |
| 071 | Bristol 405 Drophead Coupe | 1955 | 175'000 | 250'000 | 150'500 | 215'000 | 157'500 | 225'000 | |
| 072 | Stutz Model 4C Bearcat | 1916 | 1'750'000 | 2'750'000 | 1'505'000 | 2'365'000 | 1'575'000 | 2'475'000 | |
| 073 | Apollo GT | 1965 | 175'000 | 250'000 | 150'500 | 215'000 | 157'500 | 225'000 | |
| 074 | Volkswagen Type 2 21-Window Deluxe Microbus | 1964 | Yes | 100'000 | 120'000 | 86'000 | 103'200 | 90'000 | 108'000 |
| 075 | Porsche 356 Speedster | 1957 | 330'000 | 380'000 | 283'800 | 326'800 | 297'000 | 342'000 | |
| 076 | Aston Martin DB2/4 'Mk I' 3.0 Liter Sports Saloon | 1955 | 200'000 | 250'000 | 172'000 | 215'000 | 180'000 | 225'000 | |
| 077 | Bentley 4½ Liter Supercharged Tourer | 1931 | 2'000'000 | 2'400'000 | 1'720'000 | 2'064'000 | 1'800'000 | 2'160'000 | |
| 078 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon | 1964 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 34'400 | 51'600 | 36'000 | 54'000 |
| 079 | De Tomaso Pantera 90 SI | 1991 | 325'000 | 400'000 | 279'500 | 344'000 | 292'500 | 360'000 | |
| 080 | Bentley 3-Liter Short Chassis Tourer | 1922 | 300'000 | 400'000 | 258'000 | 344'000 | 270'000 | 360'000 | |
| 081 | Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta | 1973 | 550'000 | 650'000 | 473'000 | 559'000 | 495'000 | 585'000 | |
| 082 | Simplex 50hp Tourer | 1914 | 1'250'000 | 2'000'000 | 1'075'000 | 1'720'000 | 1'125'000 | 1'800'000 | |
| 083 | Ford V8 Super Deluxe Sportsman 'Woodie' Convertible | 1947 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 86'000 | 129'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 084 | Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Continental Coupe | 1955 | 180'000 | 230'000 | 154'800 | 197'800 | 162'000 | 207'000 | |
| 085 | Delage D8 120 Three Position Drophead Coupé | 1937 | 700'000 | 800'000 | 602'000 | 688'000 | 630'000 | 720'000 | |
| 086 | Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Siluro | 1934 | Yes | 300'000 | 400'000 | 258'000 | 344'000 | 270'000 | 360'000 |
| 087 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1970 | 130'000 | 180'000 | 111'800 | 154'800 | 117'000 | 162'000 | |
| 088 | Allard J2X | 1951 | Yes | 300'000 | 400'000 | 258'000 | 344'000 | 270'000 | 360'000 |
| 089 | Surtees-Chevrolet TS8 Formula A/5000 Racing Single-Seater | 1971 | 125'000 | 150'000 | 107'500 | 129'000 | 112'500 | 135'000 | |
| 090 | Subaru Impreza 22B-STI Prototype | 1997 | 450'000 | 550'000 | 387'000 | 473'000 | 405'000 | 495'000 | |
| 091 | Pierce-Arrow Model 1245 Convertible Coupe and Curtiss Aerocar Trailer | 1936 | 300'000 | 400'000 | 258'000 | 344'000 | 270'000 | 360'000 | |
| 092 | Pope-Toledo Two-Seat Racer (Jg. Ca.) | 1904 | 200'000 | 300'000 | 172'000 | 258'000 | 180'000 | 270'000 | |
| 093 | Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 2+2 Coupé Pininfarina | 1969 | 400'000 | 600'000 | 344'000 | 516'000 | 360'000 | 540'000 | |
| 094 | BMW 327 Cabriolet | 1940 | Yes | 140'000 | 180'000 | 120'400 | 154'800 | 126'000 | 162'000 |
| 095 | Jaguar XE SV Project 8 | 2019 | 190'000 | 220'000 | 163'400 | 189'200 | 171'000 | 198'000 | |
| 096 | Packard Series 1701 One-Twenty Convertible Victoria | 1939 | 150'000 | 200'000 | 129'000 | 172'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | |
| 097 | BMW E30 M3 Coupe | 1988 | Yes | 100'000 | 140'000 | 86'000 | 120'400 | 90'000 | 126'000 |
| 098 | Glide Model 45 Scout | 1910 | 80'000 | 100'000 | 68'800 | 86'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 | |
| 099 | Mercedes-Benz 500 TE AMG | 1980 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 64'500 | 86'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 |
| 100 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Long Wheelbase Saloon with Division | 1960 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 30'100 | 38'700 | 31'500 | 40'500 |
| 101 | Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon | 1979 | Yes | 60'000 | 90'000 | 51'600 | 77'400 | 54'000 | 81'000 |
| 102 | Buick Limited Convertible | 1958 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 86'000 | 129'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 103 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer | 1930 | 240'000 | 340'000 | 206'400 | 292'400 | 216'000 | 306'000 | |
| 104 | Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupe | 1956 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 34'400 | 51'600 | 36'000 | 54'000 |
| 105 | Rolls-Royce Camargue Coupe | 1986 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 34'400 | 51'600 | 36'000 | 54'000 |
| 106 | Chevrolet Corvette 25th Anniversary T-Top Coupe | 1978 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'800 | 43'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 107 | Buick Model 24 Sports Roadster | 1927 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'800 | 34'400 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 108 | Cadillac 355-A Convertible Coupe | 1931 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'600 | 68'800 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 109 | Lincoln Model L Seven Passenger Sedan | 1922 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'800 | 34'400 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column NoR = No Reserve (no minimum price), Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
